The neighbors have been talking. Not our neighbors here in Bernalwood; rather, our neighbors in surrounding neighborhoods have been talking — about us! They say we look different these days. Specifically, they say there’s a new light shining from atop Bernal Hill, and that it is very bright.

For example, Bob Horowitz, the photographer who took the photo above on January 29, asks:

From the looks of Bob’s photo, it seems the bright light may be a new floodlight installed to provide security for our stylish and beloved microwave tower.

Now,  I’m just speculating here, but the new light may tie in with an effort to prevent the defacement of the tower facility with graffiti… which may in turn tie in with an effort to address the (overblown) concerns of Supervisor David Campos, who recently blocked the installation of new cellphone antennas atop the tower because he said the site was marred by graffiti. So the new light may be part of an effort to keep the tower site cleaner to secure permission to install those antennas eventually.

But like I said, that’s just one theory. I also have another theory, and it goes something like this:

Photo: Top, Bob Horowitz

If you find yourself downtown on tonight, get yourself a cocktail and a little cultcha by showing up at the opening party for Bernal Heights artist Ian Robert Mullen at at 111 Minna Gallery:

IAN ROBERT MULLEN was born into a rich family history of master tradesmen that have claimed the city of Philadelphia home for eleven generations. After striking out to attend the painting program at Boston University he found himself right back where he started, working with wood. Curious and inventive by nature, Ian still continues to explore the world around him through his woodworking, oil painting, sculpture, and anything else he can get his hands on.

“Whether it be with wood, plaster, or oil, I derive much of my inspiration from nature. An avid outdoorsman, I am always looking for new elements to implement into my next piece.” – Ian Robert Mullen

If you can’t make it to the opening, Ian’s art will be on display at 111 Minna until March 3. Represent!

Are you a oenophile? Do you know someone who is a oenophile? Or do you simply enjoy saying the word “oenophile?” If you answered in the affirmative to any of these questions, you’ll be glad to know that the folks at Liberty Cafe are opening a new wine bar next week.

From Grub Street:

Cozy up, Bernal wine-os: On February 1, theLiberty Café (401 Cortland) is re-launching its wine bar in the carriage house out back, called the Liberty Wine Bar, serving snacks, charcuterie, and small plates as well as a selection of fine wines from around the world. Also, as a generous introduction to their wine list, they’re hosting two free wine tasting events on Thursdays in February.

Grub Street also has a copy of the menu and wine list, right here.

Over on the Bernalsafe mailing list, there’s been a flurry of chatter for the last few days about a rash of muggings (and attempted muggings) that have taken place recently along the Tompkins Street corridor, just south of Cortland.  Most of the crimes seem to involve well-organized groups of goons who operate in coordinated pairs from opposite ends of the block to entrap potential victims from multiple angles of attack.

One commenter posted an account of one such incident last week, along with some useful tips on how to avoid becoming a victim yourself. (Hint: YELL!) Republished here by permission:

I’m writing both in response to the recent post re: Almost Mugged and to alert you to an on-record mugging this past Saturday night, 1/22.

I — and my neighbor who was mugged — live on Prentiss, between Tompkins & Jarboe Streets.

My neighbor got off the bus on Cortland to pick up something @ the JC Super on Cortland/Ellsworth. Walking home from Cortland (Cortland / Folsom / Jarboe / Prentiss) he was followed by a group of 6-8 young men between the ages of 18-23. He was unaware that they were following him until they jumped him, mid-block on Prentiss.

Like the other poster, the group was split into twos — all walking separately, but coordinated; easy to miss if you’re not really paying attention.

They followed him to Prentiss street, grabbed him, beat him on his body & face, and took his cell fone. His wallet, in his front pocket, was left on his body b/c when he fell to the ground, his body hid its location. Only when he bit the arm of the man who was holding him around the neck from behind, was he able to scream for help.

His housemate heard his screams from down the street, and came running. I heard him from my bedroom, which was directly across the street, and I called 911. The group split up and ran in every direction. I stayed on the fone w/dispatch while 2 police cruisers arrived quickly. Dispatch also sent an EMT — which eventually took him to the hospital for stitches over his eye and a scan to confirm no broken facial bones.

Oddly, he was actually mugged in front of several houses that have very bright motion-sensor lights.

Bottom line: Be safe. Don’t walk alone if you can help it. Be aware. Do not walk while on your fone /checking email, etc.

My neighbor does not have life-threatening injuries. He will be OK. But the trauma — facial injuries and emotional — is heartbreaking.

The police told us (me and a few neighbors who came out) that there have been a number of these coordinated muggings lately (here in Bernal Heights, the Mission, and other neighborhoods), and that it’s really hard to catch them w/out physical identification. Many of them have a “get-away” car just a few blocks away and use their cell phones to arrange pick-up.

Tip from the police: If you are mugged/attacked, or see something suspicious, ACT. Scream, yell, run. Get a look at their SHOES; they spend $ on their shoes and will not “drop” or leave them as they flee from a crime; they WILL drop identifiable clothing — hats, jackets/hoodies/vests — as they run.

Image: Crime map for the week of January 17, 2011, from San Francisco Crimespotting